Virginia Lyden Kern

Ginny was born in Portland on January 14, 1929, one of eight children of Martin H. and Sadie (Conley) Lyden. She was graduated from Deering High School in 1947, and married William L. Kern of Portland in 1954.

Ginny loved working, and was highly valued everywhere she was employed. She was most proud of having been office manager at Merrill Transport in the 1950s, leaving there once she and Bill started their family. In the 1970s, she was office manager at Alan B. Rich Plumbing & Heating. She was a regional manager for two home sales companies featuring jewelry and cosmetics. As a complement of services to her husband’s wedding photography business, she created a wedding planning newsletter, The Bridal Path. During the last several years of her career, she worked in the medical records office at the Barron Center.

Ginny and Bill had a wonderful life together and were married for 31 years until he passed away in 1986. They enjoyed everyday family life, their travels which included cruises and trips to Europe, and cherished time spent with the kids at their camp on Highland Lake.

She was ahead of her time in so many ways. Ginny was an independent thinker with thought-provoking ideas and possessed an incredible sense of humor. She was a most avid reader. As she often noted, other than her children and grandchildren, her books were her true treasures.

She was the last surviving child of the late Martin and Sadie Lyden. Her siblings were Catheryn Merrithew, Ellen Olson, Sadie Marguerite Merrill, Martin H. Lyden, Jr., Eugene F. Lyden, R. Gregory Lyden, and Annette L. Payeur.

She is survived by her five children and five grandchildren. Her children are Barry Kern, Katherine Kern, and Dana Kern (April Collins) of Portland; Kimberly Kern Brooks (Richard) of Cape Elizabeth; and Annette Kern Haley (Tom) of Falmouth. Her beloved grandchildren are William and Michael Brooks of Cape Elizabeth, Mary Giglio of Falmouth, and Tyler and Zackary Goguen of Portland.

A private graveside service for immediate family was held on Thursday, September 4th. The family extends special thanks to the staff at Living Innovations Support Services of Cape Elizabeth and Hospice of Southern Maine. Donations in Ginny’s honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Smile Train – two of the many charities she supported.